Overview

Abcam's Caspase 6 Assay Kit (Colorimetric) provides a simple and convenient means for assaying the activity of caspases that recognize the sequence VEID. The assay is based on spectrophotometric detection of the chromophore p-nitroanilide (p-NA) after cleavage from the labeled substrate VEID-p-NA. The p-NA light emission can be quantified using a spectrophotometer or a microtiter plate reader at 400- or 405 nm. Visit our FAQs page for tips and troubleshooting.

Caspase 6 is involved in the activation cascade of caspases responsible for apoptosis execution. Cleaves poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in vitro, as well as lamins. Overexpression promotes programmed cell death. Caspase 3 and Caspase 6 are the major active caspases in apoptotic cells, and are activated in response to distinct apoptosis inducing stimuli and in all cell lines analyzed. Both Caspase 3 and 6 are present in apoptotic cells as multiple active species. Caspase 6 cleaves nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA) and mediates the shrinkage and fragmentation of nuclei.